IT vs. Computer Science: Choosing Your Degree

Have you wondered what the difference is between a computer science and information technology degree? Are you struggling to decide which direction to go in terms of study? Read on for an in-depth comparison of IT vs. computer science. This article will explore what courses you might take in a degree program, factors driving growth in these professions, the skills employers are looking for in job candidates, and potential career paths to take.

First, can you explainthe difference between computer science and information technology?

IT and computer science are very different in their definitions. The Joint Task Force for Computing Curricula explained the differences this way in its Computing Curricula 2005 report:

People who specialize in computer science are trained in the theory of computation and the design of computer systems. The computer science discipline is closely related to mathematics and includes a range of topics — from the theoretical (such as studies of the limits of computation) to practicalities (such as issues of implementing computing systems in hardware and software). The work of people in the computer science field falls into three categories, according to the report. Those include designing and implementing software, devising new ways to use computers, and developing effective ways to solve computing problems.

On the other hand, people who are trained in information technology are prepared to meet the hands-on, practical and everyday computer technology needs of all types of organizations, including business, government, healthcare, and schools. Entities rely on their IT teams to select hardware and software products that will work best for the organization and then integrate the systems with the company or institution's infrastructure to work properly and securely. 1

So whichis better to pursue in terms of future job opportunities?

Both fields are growing because of the increasing demand for new technology, the expanding reliance on mobile and wireless networks, and rising concern about cybersecurity. For example, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that from 2012 to 2022, jobs for software developers are expected to grow 22%2, while jobs for network and computer systems administrators are expected to grow 12%3.

While your degree and knowledge are clearly important in landing a job, employers also find so-called "soft skills," or those related to emotional intelligence, important. The list of desired soft skills align closely for IT and computer science graduates and include collaboration, communication, problem solving, organization, good judgment, and time management.4

Meanwhile, the report showed that the top jobs for holders of computer science degrees were:

Software development engineer

Software developer

Applications developer

Systems engineer

Net developer5

What types of companies or industries hire for these positions?

The top five industries searching for IT employees include transportation manufacturing; professional, scientific, and technical services; educational services; hospitals; and merchant wholesalers.

In comparison, the top five industries searching for computer science graduates were professional, scientific and technical services; educational services; publishing industries; transportation equipment manufacturing; and administrative and support services.6

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